Ruth Abusch-Magder, Rabbi
Barbara Rothbeind, President
January 2023
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A few months ago a dinner guest gifted us with a beautiful handmade hamsa, and I was anxious to find the perfect location to hang it in our home. I decided to do a google inquiry to see if there is a special protocol for where or how this should be done. What I discovered instead, was its long and colorful history. And while the hamsa is ubiquitous in Israel today, it did not originate as a Jewish symbol.
The hamsa represents a hand with an open palm that has an eye embedded in its center.
While its existence has spanned many centuries and it has been embraced by multiple cultures, the significance has remained the same. It’s believed to have magical power that wards off evil and creates positive energy. The eye is not an Evil Eye, rather an anti-Evil Eye that is a sign of protection.
Scholars have debated its emergence, but University of Chicago professor Ahmed Achrati believes it did not originate as a religious symbol because it first appeared before there was religion. There is evidence of it in Paleolithic caves, one in Algeria, The Cave of Hands, that dates back 10,000 years.
In a more “modern” historical era, there is a prominent appearance of a large open hand on the Puerta Judiciaria (Gate of Judgment) of the Alhambra, a 14th century Islamic fortress in Southern Spain. That hand draws on the Arabic word “Khamsa” which means five, and that number identifies with fighting the Evil Eye.
This amulet has also been referred to as the Eye of Fatima, Hand of Fatima and the Hand of Miriam. At a time when the Sephardic Jewish culture flourished alongside Islamic society, it makes sense that they might share ethnic practices. Fatima was Mohammed’s daughter and Miriam, Moses’ sister.
Today, many religions have interpreted this talisman in a way that makes it their own. Buddhism and Hinduism believe the five fingers represent the five chakras to clear mind and body, and it pertains to the five pillars of Islam. In Christianity, while not embraced by all, the hamsa hand represents the hand of Mother Mary. It can be a reminder to both pray and to praise God with all five senses for Jewish believers. However, according to My Jewish Learning, magic (the amulet) is prohibited in the Bible. But the Torah refers to it as Kamiyot, and one law allows for an “approved” amulet to be carried on the Sabbath.
Today, hamsas are everywhere. They decorate walls and make beautiful pieces of jewelry - some adorned with wonderful gems, others simple and meaningful. We’ll never really know if their presence and perceived powers can help tame this crazy world, or our place in it. But we do know that they connect us to a history that is both long and elusive, and that certainly is a good reason to enjoy them.
Marcey
13agree@gmail.com
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We are all familiar with the idea that Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year, but in truth, there are four distinct ways of calculating the year in Jewish tradition. If this sounds odd, it may help us to think about the ways in which our own secular year has a myriad of new starts; there is the New Year which we celebrate at the beginning of January. But there is the beginning of the school year, which heralds its own form of renewal. There is also the fiscal year and, for some, the programming year or the sports year. Each of these has its own rhythm and meaning.
In Judaism, Passover and the Exodus are the numerical beginning of the months -but not the year- which makes sense in terms of our national narrative. We as a nation count our days from our passage out of Egypt. Elul, the month before Rosh Hashana, is the New Year for the animals. In the agrarian society in which Judaism evolved, this date was essential for ensuring standards when it came to trade and commerce around livestock. And the final New Year was that of the trees, Tu B’shvat, which had not only commercial and agricultural implications but also religious impacts helping define when trees were considered mature enough to conform to Jewish laws about harvesting.
We do not live by the ancient Jewish agricultural laws or rhythms. Nonetheless, Tu B’shvat, which this year falls on February 5th, can still be meaningful to us today. Pinehurst and its environs are communities shaped by the trees of its landscape. As someone who comes once a month, I see the color, height, and consistency of the region's pine trees and am amazed each time. Tu B’shvat offers us a moment to stop and notice the beauty of our everyday surroundings. It is also a chance to take in the complexities of the rhythms of the earth, that which is now dormant because of the cold, that which we anticipate as we look towards spring, and that which is changing as our climate changes. Even though we are far from our ancient agricultural Jewish roots, Tu B’shvat offers us a chance to focus on the earth and the cycles of nature.
Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, Ph.D
(she/her)
Rabbi of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation
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By now, I am sure that you are all cognizant of the recent antisemitic events that took place in Moore County. Your Officers and Board would like to make you aware of the actions we are taking in light of these occurrences.
On December 28, 2022 we met with Captain Brock Holder and Lt. Andrew Oaks of the Moore County Sheriffs Department and Brad Starnes of the FBI. We were assured by both branches of law enforcement that they are here for us and they are equally disturbed by any form of hate speech that is directed at the Jewish community. The two incidents are being investigated and we will be kept informed as any developments occur.
On January 11, 2022 a few Board members met with Grant Mendenhall, the national director of Secure Community Network (SCN) which works in tandem with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to combat acts of hate, especially against the Jewish community. These acts of hate are an indicator of hateful and potentially violent ideology that exists in our own backyard. We will be doing a safety self-assessment with SCN and we will keep the congregation informed of any further security measures we will be putting in place. Mr. Mendenhall did commend us on being pro-active, indicating we have already initiated more protections than most other congregations our size.
In the immediate future we will be increasing security measures at our facility and during services. We will have two armed sheriff’s deputies on duty at all services and during religious school. We take our safety and well being very seriously and we do not want any congregant to be intimidated or to feel unsafe in our sanctuary. Law enforcement made it very clear to us that if you “see something, say something”.
If anyone should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Rabbi Ruth or any Board member.
Shalom,
Barbara Rothbeind,
President SJC Beth Shalom
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January Events
Friday, January 20, 7:00 PM - "Ask the Rabbi" Discussion
You are invited to the home of Amy & Chuck Walters for a special program beginning with the Shabbat candle lighting and blessings, coffee and dessert. That will be followed by a fun discussion with Rabbi Ruth. Bring along all those nagging questions you have had about Judaism and our customs & traditions and she will try to answer them. Amy and Chuck live at 106 Chesterfield Dr, Pinehurst, in the gated community of Forest Creek.
RSVP to Amy at 301-229-9656 (call or text) or aswalters101@gmail.com so that you will be on the list to enter at the gatehouse. Take the first left after the gatehouse, and it is the third house on the right.
Saturday, January, 21, 10:00 AM - Shabbat Services
Shabbat Services to honor all B'nai Mitzvahs of the last twenty years.
Oneg following services, hosted by Jules & Mark Epstein, Rose & Jeffrey Heintz,
Susan & Carter Parry,
In person and on Zoom.
Sunday, January 22, 12:30 PM - Rosh Chodesh Discussion Group
All members are invited to join this casual lay-led discussion.
Participants will meet at the Temple.
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Celebrating Our 20 Years
Honoring SJC-Beth Shalom's Former B'nai Mitzvahs
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs represent Judaism's future as congregations commemorate the Jewish coming-of-age of their young women and men. Adult B'nai Mitzvahs honor the accomplishments and commitments of those who chose to participate in the ritual at a later time in their lives. Our congregation is proud to have a long list of both, and we will honor all of them at our Shabbat service on Saturday, January 21st, as we continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We invite all former B'nai Mitzvahs to join us and be part of our service.
Click here for list of SJC Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
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Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors
Yoga for Seniors
January is Yoga for Seniors month at Sandhills Jewish Congregation. From funds provided by our grant from the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors, yoga lessons that are free of charge will be available every Wednesday in January. The classes will be taught by Darie Davis who has been an instructor for 30 years. Both men and women are invited to participate in basic classes that allow you to manage your own level of activity. If you enjoy yoga, join fellow congregants in this class. If you are new to the practice, this is the perfect place to start.
Wednesdays, January 18, 25
Pinehurst Community Center, 210 Rattlesnake Trail, Pinehurst
11:00 AM (50 minutes)
RSVP: susanparry1118@gmail.com
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Bring your own mat (one can be provided if you don't have your own)
- Chairs available for a more comfortable practice
- Bring a towel
If you have any questions about the class please contact Darie: darlindavis@nc.rr.com
Our grant from the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors also provides money for transportation to Shabbat services and Meals on Wheels. Please reach out to Susan Parry if you are in need of these services or know of a congregant who could benefit from them.
susanparry1118@gmail.com
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Book Club
Meets Today at 3:00
Today Book Club will discuss A Broken Hallelujah: Rock and Roll, Redemption, And the Life of Leonard Cohen.
It is at the home of Fred and Marcey Katzman,
285 Sugar Gum Lane #40.
Please RSVP to 13agree@gmail.com or 910-215-9242.
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Book Club's March Selection
The Last King of Shanghi is the book chosen to be discussed in March. By Jonathan Kaufman, it is the story of rival Jewish dynasties that helped create modern China. This is a well-researched multigenerational story that will educate and enlighten. Book Club will meet next on Sunday, March 12th at 3:00 PM.
Dinner always follows the discussion, at a restaurant to be decided at that time.
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Member News
A Message from Joel Goldberg
Dear SJC Members,
My Bar Mitzvah is coming up on February 25th. I hope many of you can join us. Before my 12th birthday last year, I committed to doing one service project a month leading up to my Bar Mitzvah. It has been an amazing experience over this past year.
My 13th mitzvah project is in support of Live Like Madison, a local organization that provides resources to families with children battling cancer. It was created in memory of Madison Fedak. This organization is important to me because Madison was my brother’s classmate and friend and attended summer day camp with us. She battled Osteosarcoma and sadly passed away in 2019. Her family created Live Like Madison in her memory to raise money for pediatric cancer research, to provide support for families with sick children, and to bring comfort through Madison’s Toy Chest to children who are hospitalized.
For this mitzvah project, I am collecting funds for Live Like Madison and new toys for Madison’s Toy Chest to help Madison’s family in their mission to provide comfort and support to families battling pediatric cancer.
To learn more about Live Like Madison or to donate directly, please visit:
https://livelikemadison.org
If you would like to donate a new toy for Madison’s Toy Chest for a child in the hospital, you can bring them to the Temple.
Thank you for your support! May Madison’s memory be for a blessing.
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Help Wanted
Oneg Shabbat Coordinator
Everyone enjoys the Onegs that follow our Shabbat services. The Oneg Coordinator is the person that makes it all run smoothly, and we are looking for someone to fill that position. The job description includes: reminding the hosts two weeks prior to the service, keeping the kitchen stocked with supplies, confirming with Diana (our kitchen helper) that she will be there for set up and clean up, and other sundry things. A big THANK YOU to Pola Lipson who took over that job when we returned to in-person services. Pola got everything up and running after our Covid hiatus, cleaned out the kitchen, helped line up the hosts and kept track of kitchen supplies. The congregation is most appreciative of her hard work.
If you are interested in participating in this effort, contact Mindy Fineman:
910-585-4031 (text or call) or mfineman@nc.rr.com. Thank you.
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Civic Engagement
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
This weekend celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with events to honor his memory and his legacy. Activities include a breakfast on Saturday, January 14th, an evening service on Sunday, January 15th, and a march on Monday, January 16th.
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Cemetery Committee Update
The Cemetery Committee has arranged with Pinelawn Memorial Park for a continuation of discounted pricing for grave spaces and columbarium niches in the Jewish Garden area of the Park. Additionally, Powell Funeral Home, an affiliate of Pinelawn, has agreed to a discounted pre-need planning program for funeral expenses in order to ease the family concerns at the time of need. Interested Congregational members may contact Robert Nunnaley, Director of Pinelawn, directly at 910-692-6801 or 910-947-2224 or Karl Ecker, Chairman of the Cemetery Committee, at 910-295-6988.
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We remember our loved ones during our January Shabbat Services
01/01 Sheila Rappaport
01/02 Robert Laidman **
01/03 Ruth Levin* **
01/03 Jerome Rosenstock
01/05 Barbara Richman
01/05 Minnette Salsburg
01/06 Marilyn Gillman
01/08 Clara Abt
01/08 Ida Katzman
01/10 Samuel Salsburg
01/14 Jessie Garfinkle
01/14 Miriam Levy
01/16 Paul Polites
01/17 Kyle Burnat
01/19 Clifford Storch
01/22 Leon Tuner
01/23 Michel Weinshel
01/24 Betsy Woolf
01/25 Jacob Friedman **
01/27 Walter Davis **
01/27 Judith Goetzl
01/27 Terry Richman
01/28 Albert S. Kohn
01/28 Freda Sander **
01/28 Michael B. Wolfe
**Indicates Hebrew date
*Indicates Yahrzeit Donation
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Honor the memory of a loved one with a donation of $18.00, Chai,
to our Yahrzeit Fund.
It is a true mitzvah to remember someone with the gift of tzedakah.
Contact Amy Walters @aswalters101@gmail.com or 910-420-1352
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Thank you to those who made donations during the month of December
Please note that donations listed here are those that were received and processed by the end of the month listed. In order to guarantee inclusion on this list, please make sure that you send in your check by the 20th of the month.
Donation Cards
- Harriet & Karl Ecker
- Darie Davis
- Marcey & Fred Katzman
- Trudi & Alex Porter, x 3
- Kathy & George Poteat
- Shelly Rappaport
General Donations
- Susan Jacoby
- Melanie & Sam Blacker
- Carol Pierce
- Bea & Rob Fain
- Sara Sutton
- Kathy & George Poteat, From Michael Kempner Poteat Fund
- Lorna Clark-Rubin
- Emily & Allen Averbook
Yahrzeit Donations
- Sue & Steve Bloom, In Memory of Evelyn Survol
- Marcey & Fred Katzman, In Memory of Fran Katzman & Aaron Katzman
- Myrna Spencer, In Memory of Robert Garfunkel
- Essie & Al Tuner, In Memory of Mary Tuner & Irving Bernstein
Cantorial Fund
Educational Fund
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Donation Card Opportunities | |
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Traditional Donation Card
Sending a donation card is one way to support SJC-Beth Shalom. Our cards are $10.00, and that includes postage. Or buy a package of ten for $100.00. That way, you always have one in reserve.
Donation Card Packages
Members can now purchase packages of five cards (pictured below, slightly smaller size) for personal use. The cards are blank and sell for $25.00 for a 5 card package. Members will be able to write a personal message and send the cards themselves.
For more information contact
Bonnie Gillman: 910-420-2609 or bongee7@aol.com
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Security Policy
For the protection of our members and guests, the Board has put in place the following security precautions:
-all members are asked to wear their name tags
-our doors will be locked at 7:15 so congregants are urged to arrive on time
-anyone arriving after 7:15 will have to knock until a congregant opens the door
-when members see someone they do not recognize, reach out - to both make them feel
welcome and to be aware of unfamiliar faces in our building (unless a member's guest)
-Oneg hosts (one or two) are asked to be greeters, hand out prayer books, name tags
-one greeter is to remain in foyer until 7:15 when doors are locked and sit in the back
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*Local Realtor Betsy Auster is affiliated with NextHome In The Pines. She has experience working with new construction, investment properties, and resales. Betsy will donate 5% of her commission from each referral or sale she receives from Temple members to SJC! Please give her a call at (609) 707-3047, or email her at betsy@nhpines.com.
NextHome In The Pines is at 105 Bradford Village Ct. , Southern Pines, NC 28387
*Companion Care Offered: Dottie Bevilacqua has over 20 years of experience and offers services for seniors including running errands and taking people to appointments. She is available part or full time in the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area. Reach Dottie at 347-339-5167.
* Sue Deutsch has created a website that provides a single source for listings of events, happenings and activities in the area. Please visit www.ThePinesTimes.com and like The Pines Times on Facebook.
* Members Susan and Tom Miles have relocated their company Belevation to Biscoe, NC. Manufacturers of direct to consumers support garments for expectant moms, Belevation can be accessed from its website belevation.com or Amazon, or you can like Belevation on Facebook.
* Marks Tax Professionals are now located at 169 Beverly Lane, Fresh Market Plaza, Southern Pines NC 28387. Phone is 910-585-6800. We have been providing a better tax experience in the Sandhills for over ten years. You worked hard to earn it, we help you keep it. Call or email for an appointment, markadel@taxgurusofpinehurst.com, or visit our website at www.taxgurusofpinehurst.com.
*Jennie Sessler is a stylist at Fantastic Sams (next to the Harris Teeter on 211). If you need a haircut stop in to see Jennie or call for an appointment: 910-420-1686
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Ruth Abusch-Magder, Rabbi
sandhillsrabbi@gmail.com
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Board of Directors
- President: Barbara Rothbeind - barbara.rothbeind@gmail.com
- Vice President/Communications: Marcey Katzman - 13agree@gmail.com
- Secretary: Audrey Kessler - audhaykes@hotmail.com
- Treasurer: Kevin Price - pinehurstkp@gmail.com
- Immediate Past President: Bernie Rosenblum - bernie.rosenblum7@gmail.com
- President Emeritus: Lowell Simon - lsimon@nc.rr.com
- Building/Grounds: Wendel Kronis - wendelrama@aol.com
- Community Outreach: Paul Rogow - progow@outlook.com
- Education: Michelle Goetzl - mbgoetzl@gmail.com
- Membership: Amy Walters - aswalters101@gmail.com
- Religious Programs: Mindy Fineman - mfineman@nc.rr.com
- Social/Program: Bonnie Gillman - bongee7@aol.com
- Board Member at Large: Sharyn Korwin - sharynkorwin@gmail.com
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